Ben Stoeger is an IPSC World Champion and multiple time USPSA National Champion. He travels all over the United States and the world shooting matches and teaching classes. In this video he discusses the Doubles Drill and why it is the only thing you need to practice live.
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) —
Air Force leaders announced one step forward in the delivery of battlespace command and control. The Air Force has completed two necessary environmental assessments, with a finding of no significant impact, that will lead to four new missions at Robins Air Force Base.
Those new missions include a Battle Management Control Squadron; an E-11A Battlefield Airborne Communications Node, or BACN, squadron; a Spectrum Warfare Group; and an Advanced Battle Management System Family of Systems, or ABMS FoS.
The completion of the two environmental assessments clears the way for the construction of facilities, assignment of personnel, designation of operations and overall establishment of new missions to provide an integrated set of command-and-control capabilities for the Air Force.
“We have eagerly anticipated this day and are excited to begin the next phase of mission transformation,” said Col. Lindsay Droz, Robins AFB installation commander. “At the installation level, we stand ready to support the construction process to welcome these new missions, and the Airmen who will support them, to central Georgia.”
Robins AFB anticipates the following milestones as these projects move forward:
– Construction of the ABMS FoS facility began in March 2022 following the completion of the required environmental assessment.
– The Battle Management Control Squadron will transition to Robins AFB in phases beginning in 2023 and is expected to be fully operational by fiscal year 2025.
– The first E-11A BACN aircraft is expected to arrive at Robins AFB in the spring of 2023 and the unit is expected be fully operational by fiscal year 2027.
– Leadership anticipates the activation of the 950th Spectrum Warfare Group headquarters in fiscal year 2027.
– Construction of a dedicated Battle Management Combined Operations Center, which will be home to three of the missions, is currently undergoing design review.
There is no plan to reduce manpower billets at Robins AFB as a result of this mission transformation effort, and Georgia Air National Guard members will retrain to roles in the BMCS and ABMS FoS at Robins AFB.
“This next chapter archives the first-of-its-kind Total Force Integrated Wing tasked with 22 years of continuous global overwatch and begins building the foundations for new Georgia Air National Guard missions, ensuring a bright future for Team Robins,” said Col. Christopher Dunlap, 116th Air Control Wing commander. “These four new missions will be essential elements of our National Defense Strategy for many years to come and I am excited our Georgia Air Guard men and women are at the forefront.”
Active duty Airmen will either be repurposed for the new missions or will transition to missions at other locations. Personnel from needed career fields will be assigned to Robins AFB to fill remaining positions in support of the new missions.
“New mission requirements and capabilities are already re-imagining the warfighter’s battlefield, and the men and women of the 461st Air Control Wing are poised to provide unrivaled expertise to usher in that vision. The EA approval brings us one step closer to bedding down 461 ACW missions at Robins AFB,” said Col. Michelle Carns, commander of the 461st ACW.
These new missions will be a force multiplier for Robins AFB, which is home to 54 mission partners covering five major commands and three wings, totaling over 23,000 Total Force Airmen all working together to support America’s defense.
In December 2021, the Air Force authorized Air Combat Command and the Georgia ANG to begin the divestment of the E-8 JSTARS fleet. The divestment made way for the beddown of four new missions at Robins AFB that align better with the future Air Force design to prepare for near-peer threats.
To date, six JSTARS aircraft have been divested, with the divesture of the remaining fleet expected to be complete by fiscal year 2024. The Air Force continues to maintain mission capable aircraft and personnel during this time of transformation.
78th Air Base Wing Public Affairs with photos by TSgt Nancy Goldberger and SSgt John Linzmeier.
I have never done this, but I wanted to share what I think is the best gear for someone that might want some new dive gear for working divers.
Masks
The Zoom EVO is a low-volume dual lens mask that is appropriate for all divers, but it is especially well-suited for combat divers who need a low-volume mask for diving O2 and for divers who need prescription lenses. The mask’s innovative lens-changing system lets you swap lenses in under a minute without tools. Even with thick gloves, the Zoom EVO’s one-hand nose compartment is easy to access. SCUBAPRO HUD mounts to the mask frame of the zoom.
Steel Comp/ Pro
The Steel Pro and Comp fit a range of faces and noses well. The Steel masks have been one of my favorite masks, and despite the many years of frequent use, I have experienced very little damage to any of them (I have three) (I have three). I don’t use them that much now because you cannot use the HUD with them. I always carry a backup mask. Its modest volume and flexible skirt make it ideal for deep diving. Thanks to the skillfully constructed softer nose pocket, equalization is not a problem.
The Steel Pro/ Comp Freediving Mask is a top-of-the-line low-volume mask. This mask is designed to be worn for lengthy periods.
The SPECTRA provides a broad field of view, a cozy water-blocking seal, and a low-volume design for simple clearing. The SPECTRA employs a clever double-sealed silicone skirt for maximum comfort and is specifically made to accommodate a variety of face shapes.
In addition to enabling the mask to be folded flat for simple packing, push-button buckles that attach to the skirt allow for simple adjustment, optimum strap angle, and range of motion for attaining that perfect fit. All the above masks can use the Comfort and Odin straps, The Odin allowing you to attach your mask to the helmet’s ACH Rails for simple donning and doffing.
Fins
Whenever anyone asks me what my favorite fin is, it is one of these two. I have not been using the Supernova as long as I have the Go Sports, so the Go is honestly my go-to fin (get it go to, go sport?! No, ok, sorry). They are light, so they are great to carry around if needed and have great power and control for tight spaces like being around piers. I have given away many of these fins because I have let guys try them, and they won’t give them back. All that said, the Supernovas are a close second, if not first. They have unmatched power, control, and speed. I have had units try them, and they switched to them that day.
The new Seawing Supernova is a step in performance, construction, fit, and adaptability. Its Pivot Control Technology (PCT) and the Auto-Adjust center panel give the appropriate blade attack angle. PCT hinges set the blade at 40 to 50 degrees, which converts kicks into forward momentum. The Auto-Adjust center panel counter-pivots to fine-tune the angle of attack depending on the strength of the kick. Blade form innovation increases power, speed, and maneuverability. Blade’s center panel membrane adjusts the angle of attack based on kicking strength for simpler cruising and maximum power. A key fob-style multipurpose utility is supplied for breaking it down and reassembly. The heel bungee can be adjusted for use with different size boots. It lets you switch from a winter dive boot to a beach jungle boot.
The SCUBAPRO GO Sport fin has a “boot-fit” design, enabling divers who wear boots for cold water or negotiating rocky shore entries to benefit from the proven kicking performance. Lightweight yet virtually indestructible, this provides great power and control in the water. It is lightweight, making it ideal if needed to carry in the field. The blade has been slightly revised from the original; it now provides mounting points to attach skegs that minimize sideslip and maximize stability. The self-adjusting bungee heel strap allows for a versatile fit. The strap also makes for easy donning and doffing.
Regulators
The MK19 EVO / A700 combines the exceptional breathing capabilities of the A700 with an environmentally sealed first stage from the MK19 EVO that is remarkably resistant to freezing and fouling its inner mechanism. A dry ambient pressure chamber with a double spring for maximum dependability and an LP port swivel turret to maximize hose routing choices are features of the MK19 EVO. The powerful A700 provides best-in-class breathing performance, including smooth inhalation and unsurpassed ease of exhalation. Its precision-manufactured full-metal front cover, valve housing, and casing are all made of metal.
For someone new to diving, the MK2 EVO internal parts, which were created expressly to withstand freezing in extremely cold-water conditions, are downstream piston-style first-stage components. Therefore, you can count on top-notch breathing performance whether you’re reef diving in the Caribbean or wreck diving in the Great Lakes. The R195 is a cutting-edge second-stage design that combines a traditional downstream valve with a sizable diaphragm, a useful purge, and VIVA switch for slick and straightforward operation. The MK2 EVO/R195 is not only the finest option—it is the only option—for both novice and experienced divers seeking a reliable but affordable regulator that can withstand almost all water temperatures.
The MK11 / S270 is a simple, sturdy, and easy-to-use air delivery system for divers looking for dependable performance. Its easy airflow is unaffected by depth, tank pressure, or breathing rate thanks to the balanced diaphragm MK11. With its unbreakable anti-scratch construction and smooth breathing performance, the little S270 can withstand years of rigorous use.
Knives/Cutting Tools
The JAWZ Ti is a versatile, all-in-one multipurpose rescue equipment that is more than just a dive knife. The instrument has two major cutting surfaces with three unique cutting zones, is made of Grade 38 ATI 425 ballistic titanium, and has 316 stainless steel hardware. It also has a heat-injected molded polypropylene thermoplastic grip with a pointed breaker. Choose between a flat black or glow-in-the-dark handle for operating in low light. Included are a sheath and a TacWare J-clip.
The X-Tek X- cut is made from Alpha (hardened) titanium and is used to create versatile, lightweight. Its blade features a line cutter and serrated and smooth cutting edges. The blade is uniquely formed and intended to preserve a cutting edge that is extremely robust for a long lifespan of corrosion-free performance. When focusing on a demanding cutting task, the no-nonsense handle’s contoured design with finger indents and a thumb guard allows you to keep a strong and non-slip hold. A lanyard eyelet is offered so you can always have the knife close to you.
SCUBAPRO WHITE TIP is an ultra-compact, space-saving cutting tool for divers. The WHITE TIP’s blade is made of 304-grade hard-tempered stainless steel for outstanding cutting and oxidation resistance. It has a serrated edge for sawing rope, a standard edge for slicing, and an angled Tanto tip, one of the strongest knife points. A handle slot holds a lanyard. The WHITE TIP is a tiny knife that may be attached to a hose or BCD as a primary knife or carried in a pocket as a backup. I like the Mako also, but I see no need for a bottle opener on a knife.
Black Mask Divers Shears, which rescue divers employ for heavy cutting, may readily cut through entanglements. Marine-grade stainless steel is corrosion-resistant. Most have nylon sheaths; however, Black Mask divers’ have Kydex sheaths. Nylon sheaths must dry before storing shears. But with Black Mask diver ones, they’re dry practically immediately. Also, it’s one-handed. The shear holster system may be mounted anywhere, drawn, and re-holstered with one hand, even when wearing gloves. The sheath can be used with almost any standard trauma shears.
Wetsuits
The new line with its multi-thickness panels, blind stitched seams, and soft inner fleece (Dimond Span Lining), the newest SCUBAPRO’s Everflex Yulex wetsuit is genuinely one of the most comfortable dive wetsuits available. Regardless of runtime, depth, or task loading, the wetsuit provides the highest possible level of stretchability and comfort; after all, you are looking for the best. It is extremely rare for a wetsuit with a thickness of 3 millimeters to offer sufficient thermal protection to be classified as a Class C diving suit in Europe. SCUABPROs new wetsuits, the EVERFLEX 3/2MM, has done this. To say that this is a testimonial to the premium materials, structure, and design of the EVERFLEX 3/2MM wetsuit is an understatement. This wetsuit is widely considered to be the best option for diving. This incredibly cozy steamer was designed with SCUBAPRO’s Pure Design Concept, ensuring a superb fit while allowing complete freedom of movement. The suit can move more naturally with your body due to the preformed dimensional shapes, which deliver unprecedented comfort and flexibility. All Everflex steamers are constructed with 100% Everflex Yulex material. This is the new standard for wetsuits right now.
Lights
A small but powerful dive light that fits in a pocket is the Nova 250. It has an over-pressure valve to release battery off-gassing and three modes: 100% power, 50% power, and Flash, making it the safest compact light on the market. The Nova 250 uses a CR123 battery to produce 250 lumens of illumination (rechargeable or disposable). You shouldn’t worry if the CR123 throwaway battery is left in your BCD pocket during the winter because it has a shelf life of up to 10 years.
Products are available from www.scubapro.com
ARLINGTON, Va. (AFNS) —
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall selected Will Rogers Air National Guard Base, Oklahoma, as the sole candidate location to replace its MC-12 Liberty with the AT-802U Sky Warden and to convert the MC-12 Formal Training Unit to the AT-802U Total Force Integration FTU.
Will Rogers ANGB will receive 28 AT-802Us and about 80 personnel to support the mission of the 310th Special Operations Squadron. The squadron will relocate from Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, to Will Rogers ANGB, creating an active association with the 185th SOS.
The AT-802 Sky Warden is a multi-role platform capable of close air support, armed intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and precision strike missions in support of geographically isolated special operations forces.
A site survey at the candidate location is scheduled in spring 2023 and will assess operational requirements, potential impacts to existing missions, housing, infrastructure and manpower.
Once the site survey is complete, the Department of the Air Force will conduct an environmental impact analysis, which is expected to be complete in fall 2023, before a final basing decision is made.
Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs
Editor’s Note: The Sky Warden has been designated as the OA-1K aircraft by the Air Force.
The Line One Belt is our most popular everyday belt, borrowing its name from an old NSW term for the first level of clothing or gear. This belt has amazing tactical performance that maintains the high level of comfort and mobility usually associated with leather.
Urethane covered nylon provides superior strength and weather-resistance. This belt won’t crack, peel, or become stiff in frigid temperatures. Specially tempered, non-slip coating eliminates “break-in” time and allows for leather like flex, yet it is impervious to sweat and water and will not stretch or lose its original shape.
Visit FirstSpear to find America’s Best tactical gear this holiday season.
MANAS, Brazil – For New York Air National Guard Tech Sgt. Jeremy Miter, adapting to the heat and humidity of the Amazon basin was the toughest part of the six weeks he spent at Brazil’s jungle warfare school from the end of September until mid-November.
“Once we got into the jungle, it was a whole other level of heat,” Miter said. “The triple canopy rain forest keeps the heat in and all around you. It creates a pressure cooker.”
Despite the heat, Miter became the fifth New York National Guard member to graduate from the course.
CIGS — the acronym for the school’s name in Portuguese, Centro de Instrução de Guerra na Selva — conducts the course for foreign military personnel in Manas, the capital of Brazil’s Amazonas state.
The Brazilians run a 10-week course for their own Soldiers.
New York Soldiers and Airmen have been attending the school since 2019 as part of the State Partnership Program relationship between Brazil’s military and the New York National Guard.
Army National Guard Sgt. William Dunn, a member of the 101st Expeditionary Signal Battalion, was to attend with Mitre but could not because of a medical issue.
To operate in the heat and humidity, the students from India, France, Spain, Portugal, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina, and two other Americans from the 7th Special Forces Group learned how to stay hydrated.
Miter said students begin the course with physical fitness tests and swimming in uniform with combat gear.
The next step is surviving in the jungle. The students learn what to eat and not eat and how to find drinkable water and shelter.
“They put us out in the woods for 48 hours on our own to survive without food and only the water that you bring with you,” he said.
“I don’t think anybody ate for the entirety of the survival event,” Miter recalled. “Luckily, it rained at the end.”
As a joint tactical air controller assigned to the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron, part of the 107th Attack Wing, Miter supports ground troops by calling air strikes.
Miter, 33, joined the New York Air National Guard in 2006 and served as a firefighter at the 109th Airlift Wing until becoming a JTAC in 2010.
He deployed to Syria in 2019 and to the Horn of Africa in 2021.
In civilian life, Miter is assigned to the Syracuse Fire Department’s Engine 3.
Miter was picked to attend the course because “he has the mental focus and physical strength” to succeed, said New York Air National Guard Command Chief Master Sgt. Denny Richardson.
Swimming is central to the training, Miter said. The students learned to use the rivers to move around. Using makeshift rafts, they would swim with their rucksacks full of equipment. They also learned how to use boats to infiltrate an area.
The round-the-clock training kept the 25 class members so tired that nobody had the energy to worry about the caiman — Brazil’s version of the alligator — or piranhas in the river, he said.
Students also learned how to navigate in the dense jungle using terrain association and practiced rappelling from helicopters.
Since most of the students were from special forces units, that was simply refresher training, Miter said.
Working with 25 soldiers from different countries who didn’t speak the same language was challenging, but they managed to find ways to communicate.
“The exchange of knowledge between us and Brazil was great. Plus working with soldiers from other countries you don’t normally work with was valuable,“ Miter said.
By Eric Durr, New York Air National Guard
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. —
Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind assumed command of Air Force Special Operations Command during a ceremony in the Freedom Hangar on December 9, 2022.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr. presided over the ceremony where Bauernfeind took the guidon from Lt. Gen. Jim Slife, who will go on to serve as the Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations, Headquarters, U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon.
During his tenure, Slife led the command to become a pathfinding force paving the way in key initiatives such as palletized effects, employing Mission Sustainment Teams and steering resources to armed overwatch. He also implemented a force generation process that achieved the intent of the Secretary of Defense, and more importantly, provided deployment predictability for the Airmen of the command.
“I’m proud to mark your transition to lead [AFSOC] at this strategic inflection point in our nation’s history,” said Brown. “I’m confident Tony’s leadership will ensure we are ready to compete and win. Tony, in every role, you’ve led our joint force and airmen to unprecedented success. You value insights that push the boundaries of the possible. I’m excited for you to have this opportunity to pour your immense talent and dedication into the Air Force Special Operations Command.”
Bauernfeind earned his commission in 1991 from the U.S. Air Force Academy and his wings in 1992 as a MC-130E pilot. He has held multiple assignments throughout the Special Operations community prior to becoming the AFSOC commander, including the 1st Special Operations Group commander and the 27th Special Operations Wing commander.
Also present at the ceremony was U.S. Army Gen. Bryan P. Fenton, Commander of U.S. Special Operations Command. Fenton spoke about Bauernfeind’s leadership abilities.
“As you’ve done in your previous positions, you get after it every single day with the tenacity to take care of, get more of and guard our most precious capability: people,” said Fenton. “You did that in an incredible fashion like you’ve done in every job we’ve known you to be a part of. You’ve got an incredible resume, which is exactly why you should lead this command.”
AFSOC’s mission is to present combat-ready forces to conduct and support global special operations missions. The command consists of highly trained, rapidly deployable Airmen, conducting global special operations missions ranging from precision application of firepower to infiltration, exfiltration, resupply and refueling of special operations forces’ operational elements.
Before passing the torch, Slife offered a few words to Bauernfeind.
“Tony, I see the journey behind, you see the journey ahead and that’s exactly the way it should be,” said Slife. “I only hope that you’re 1,260 days are as rewarding as ours have been. To the men and women of AFSOC, it’s been an honor of a lifetime to serve with you. Thank you all very much.”
Bauernfeind inherits a command with approximately 22,000 total force and civilian Air Commandos worldwide. He is now the 13th AFSOC commander.
“Chief Master Sgt. Olson and I are excited to work with the AFSOC communities around the globe in the months ahead to sustain and improve the quality of life for our Air Commandos and their families,” said Bauernfeind. “I’m proud of your accomplishments, but I’m more impressed by your outstanding professionalism and innovative spirit. I’m deeply humbled to take command of this great organization.”
Welcome home sir!
By 2nd Lt. Cassandra Saphore
AFSOC Public Affairs
WASHINGTON — Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. James C. McConville announced today that Command Sgt. Maj. Michael R. Weimer will serve as the 17th Sergeant Major of the Army. The announcement came during closing comments at the Army Profession Forum held in Alexandria, Virginia, Dec. 7-8, 2022.
“We have the greatest Army in the world because we have the greatest NCO Corps,” Gen. McConville said. “I’m proud to select Command Sgt. Maj. Weimer to lead that Corps.”
“When I joined the Army in 1993, I never would have thought I’d make it this far,” Weimer said. “It’s an absolute honor to be selected as the next Sergeant Major of the Army, and I’m looking forward to continuing to serve our incredible Soldiers and their families.”
Weimer will assume responsibility from Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Grinston in August 2023. Until then, Weimer will continue to serve as the senior enlisted leader of the U.S. Army Special Operations Command.
“Right now, I want to make sure that the Soldiers and families at USASOC have what they need to take care of their people and sustain readiness,” he said. “I’m not looking ahead, just focusing on the task at hand.”
Grinston has previously said he plans on retiring at the end of the year.
Weimer joined the Army in 1993 and successfully completed Special Forces Assessment and Selection in 1994. He completed the Special Forces Weapons Sergeant Course and earned his Green Beret in 1996 and has served more than 20 years within Army Special Operations.
Weimer is a graduate of Norwich University, where he earned a B.S. in strategic studies and defense analysis.
By U.S. Army Public Affairs
